Written Reflection One

A virtue I learned about from the children at Step by Step

Within this twenty-first century world dwells a generation of skeptics. From hard-knuckled business climbing ruthlessly to the top of the corporate ladder to students competing in the ring of academic success, many today have grown numb to belief and loyalty. We are harsh critics of others, and our minds, cultivated in the eras after the Enlightenment, always desire empirical evidence before embracing belief.

Yet there is an innate part of human nature that longs to trust. We all crave acceptance, to belong to a group and to entrust ourselves to them. During my first night volunteering at Step by Step, I saw this truth about human nature illustrated from the moment I walked in the door.

When I arrived, I received an assignment to work in the three and four year olds’ room, to watch and care for those children while their mothers participated in a Bible study and fellowship time. Within the first ten or fifteen minutes, I noticed a little Hispanic girl entering. She seemed anxious, and clung to her mother’s side. I went over to her and began to engage her in conversation, beckoning her to come play with us. Despite her reluctance, I managed to convince the shy little girl to come sit in my lap and watch the others play.

For several minutes she sat quietly, clearly a bit overwhelmed by the rambunctious children. I knew that I needed to help her feel comfortable, to win her trust in this new and strange environment. I snagged some matchbox cars, and began to roll them up her arms, making racecar noises. She looked up at me, and her eyes met mine. After a evident internal debate, she let go of her inhibitions, relaxed in my arms, and grinned jubilantly. She had decided to trust.

The rest of the night we played happily together. She pulled me along as we did each activity, begging to sit in my lap again, to play baby dolls with me, to hear my clap of approval when she went down the slide. I helped her with her craft, explained the Bible story to her, and played with her in the playroom we went into. Before she left, she gave me a huge hug and again gave me that trusting smile.

Despite her rough background—a teenage mother, chaotic home life, and childhood likely characterized by transition—this young girl had swiftly trusted. She longed to believe, to entrust herself to another for acceptance. Though she probably had every reason to remain within herself, she gave in to her nature that compelled her to believe and trust.

This ability amazed me with its power and beauty. It is human nature to believe, and ultimately this cannot be suppressed, despite a skeptic culture. The powerful force of trust can build community for single mothers who have none, bring a smile to a child’s face, and draw people together, both in their humanity and ability.